People have always been split when it comes to having school spirit and attending school events. Some students seem to gravitate towards the atmosphere of school functions, whereas others really couldn’t care less.
In a previous interview regarding the importance of school spirit with Shanae Mundee, Director of Student Life, she commented that, “Any event is more successful when there is support from the students, faculty, & staff who are showing their Maverick Pride. Additionally, it sets the tone for various aspects around campus.”
While many students may agree with Mundee’s statement, the real question is whether or not students actually follow through and really attend school functions.
At Colorado Mesa University, many people, particularly staff members, voiced their concerns that the number of students in attendance at school events is dropping significantly.
Allegedly, the annual homecoming bonfire brought in a plethora of students. So much so that the plaza and field where the bonfire was held was crammed with eager students, excited to get involved and celebrate homecoming week. (Note, there was no census on the number of students attending the homecoming bonfire throughout the years, so this is a rough estimate).
Based off of my own observations, the number of people in attendance at the event were meager. While a decent amount of students conglomerated along the fencing surrounding the bonfire, the energy was somewhat low and people quickly began exiting the scene shortly after the bonfire had begun.
Despite the weak turnout, many CMU students still think that going to school events and demonstrating one’s school spirit are important pillars in developing synergy and community within a university and campus setting.
“I go to as many school events as possible because I think it’s an easy, fun way to meet people. Mesa puts a lot of effort towards organizations like Res Life and PAC, so I think if they already put in the effort, why not participate,” Gabe Simon, a CMU freshman said. “I also find it easier to fill my days with all the athletic and res life events going on.”
Despite students such as Gabe who see the value in going to school events, there has to be a reason as to why attendance is seemingly dropping as of recently.
“School events are fun to attend for the sake of school spirit and meshing with fellow students,” says Brenna Rhines, a CMU junior. “However, their importance to me depends on the people there. If I can’t get anyone I know to go, it’s not worth it.”
Brenna’s rationale as to why she wouldn’t attend a school event, such as the bonfire, likely applies to many students. If they don’t have a group of friends who want to go, then why would they?
While there is no way to measure school spirit, it does appear that CMU’s is down. Football games are attended for the sole purpose of the tailgate, and the actual games generally have few in attendance. The bonfire and homecoming week were not of epic proportions in terms of attendance. And if things continue in this direction, then the communal aspect of CMU will likely deteriorate.
“I think (school events) are very important because they allow a place for people to connect in a safe environment if the other
While school events provide a safe setting outside of the party scene for people to meet, they also simply help to stimulate a synergy that is needed in order to build a sense of community.
Without that, a university loses much of it’s charm and uniqueness. If students really want to help create an electric college atmosphere, the solution is quite simple:
Attend school events!
